Hey everyone, I'm retired and Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. It's a a smaller city city with about 32,310 people. The median home value here is around $282,700, which seems about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
28 upvotes
12 Replies
milwaukeechef2023
this is the way
39 upvotes
Jackson Wright
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Isaac Lopez
glad someone said it
35 upvotes
Xavier Young
Saving this thread
32 upvotes
Camila Stewart
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Jace Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Aiden R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 30, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in The Heights and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
6 upvotes
connor_soul
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 26, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
6 upvotes
benjamin_girl
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is excellent in most areas.
4 upvotes
Christian Kim
it depends on the neighborhood
3 upvotes
Roman
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Olivia Jackson
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
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